Speed synchronizing device



D. E. LEWELLEN ET AL 2,076,202

SPEED SYNCHRONIZING DEVICE Filed Nov. 13, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll April 6, 1937.

3 u & 5 $1 4 5 H I Y A wk mum m M55 0 m Er T V60 M uv h. F f m m W O O.W r r m Q\ April 6, 1937. D. E. LEWELLEN ET AL 2,076,202

SPEED SYNCHRONI Z ING DEVICE Filed Nov. 15, 1934 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 2Mlllllllllllllllll 6 A 5 ATTORNEYS Ap 1937- D. E. LEWELLEN ET AL2,076,202

SPEED SYNCHRONI Z ING DEVICE Filed Nov. 15, 1934 4 Shee ts-Sheet 3 f0INVENTOR 24,? E Lf'WELLE/V BY [44/140 1. z Willi/V Ms ATTORNEYS April1937- D. E, LEWELLEN ET AL 2,076,202

SPEED SYNCHRONI Z ING DEVICE Filed Nov. 15, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4INVENTOR .D/4E() E. LEWELLFN [MMO/YS E lfWflZf/V ATTORNEYS Patented Apr.6, 1931 u 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SPEED SYNCHRONIZIN G DEV ICEDarcy E. Lewellen and Emmons F. Lewellen,

Columbus, Ind.

Application November 13, 1924, Serial No. 752,848

J 25 Claims. (01.172-293) The object of this invention is to provide atheir physical relationship to one another, can method and apparatus forthe synchronization be synchronized from a common source and adof speedof two or more devices. Justed in their speed by a speed changer and Itis the object of the invention to provide maintained in synchronism withone another,

5 means for synchronizing the speed of two revolvpreferably through aseries of intermittent incre- 5 ing shafts in order to maintain aconstant speed ments of adjustment, which comprehends the relationship.adjustment of their relationship to one another It is a further objecttoprovide means for conand the adjustment of the speed changer toprot'rolling the speed and changing the speeds of vide a constant speedratio as desired.

1" units or processes relative to one another and as It is a furtherobject to provide means of cona whole. trolling the intervalofintermittent adjustment The purpose of this invention is to cause twoand the interval of lag between adjustments, durshafts to run at exactlythe same speeds and is ing which the adjusted mechanism can accomsodesigned that, in the event one of the shafts modate itself to theadjusted condition.

changes speed for any reason, the other shaft It is a further object toprovide for a method will automatically be brought to this speed. Theseand apparatus embodying the above features of shafts will always run atthe same speeds, alcontrol in which there may be either direct thoughnot connected mechanically in any way. mechanical connection between theseveral con- It is a further object to provide a means of trolled unitsor an electrical connection, or a n changing the speed of one unit ofthe apparatus hydraulic or pneumatic connection, so long as and ofbringing the other unit into synchronism the principles of thisinvention are employed. with it in its changed speed condition. Invarious manufacturing processes these proc- In particular, it is theobject of this invention esses consist of a series of operations onmaterial to provide an intermittent correction of relative passingthrough a number of units on a com- .5 speeds between component parts ofa system and plete process. It is desirable to maintain a certhen allowan interval of time for the driven tain speed relation between thevarious units. machine, such as one of the units of the system, At thesame time it is also necessary to change to adjust itself to the newchanged. speed condithe speed of various units or of the processes astions. a whole and for that reason it is essential that It is an objectof this invention to provide some mea s be provided for matically brin30 means in case the speed of one unit with respect ing the differentunits of the process into synto another is not immediately correctedwithin chronism in case the speed of one of the units is the time orspace allowed so that there will be chan a relative adjustment ofthecontrols to establish Referring to the drawings: 3.") a new controlrelationship for the maintenance Figure 1 illustrates diagrammaticallythe relaof synchronous speeds. tionship of the control circuits and alsothe It is a further object to provide a method and application theretoof a speed changing device apparatus so that the entire control systemwill driven by a prime mover. The heavy box-like prevent surging, thatis, the continual change line is placed on the left hand side of thedrawof the driven machine from a fast to a slow speed, ings to indicatethe location of the control system 40 or vice versa. within a box whichmay be adjacent to or re- It is an object to provide a system and methodmotely located with respect to the rest of the by which at predeterminedintervals, the fresystem. I quency of which can be controlled, therewill be Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view showing a constantreadjustment of the speed relationthe prime mover, the speed changer,the synchro- 45 ships between units of a system so that the nizingmechanism and the mechanical connecadjustments will be relatively smallincrements. tions between the synchronizing mechanism and By this methodthe result is accomplished of the respective units of the system, themeans for permitting a suflicient time lag between each adjusting thespeed changer, as shown in Figure adjusting step for the accomplishmentof the 1, being omitted to simplify the view. '50 adjustment result inthe machine, that is being Figure 3 isa view similar to Figure 2,showing adjusted. the connectio'nbetween the mechanisms, partly It is afurther object to provide a method and mechanical and partly electrical,the electrical apparatus in which a plurality of units of a sysmechanismcomprising that type of control motem, irrespective of the nearness ordistance of tor in which the rotor of one motor is electri- 55- callysynchronized with the rotor of another motor. It will be understood thatthese connections may be fully electrical rather than partly electrical,as in Figure 3. p Figure 4 is a detail view of the contact disk systemwith the contact fingers used on one of the shafts in the synchronizingmechanism.

Figure 5 is one of the disks viewed on the line 6 -5 of Figure 4 showingthe contact fingers in section.

Figure 6 is a section on the line Ho! Figure d viewed in the directionof the arrows showing the shaft and spacing collar in section and one ofthe contact fingers in section and one of the conl5 tact disks inelevation.

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Figure 7 looking in thedirection of the arrows, and illustrates the shaft in section, a spacingcollar in section and one of the contact disks with its 2 limitingcontact points and associated mechanism in elevation.

Figure 9 is a view looking to the right from the left endof Figure 7showing the other of the contact. disks and contact members in elevationcon- 3 stituting a portion of that mechanism. It also shows the endcollar associated with that disk in elevation.

Figure 10 is a detailed side elevation of the two shafts of thesynchronizing mechanism, 35 which are adjusted in their speed withrespect to one another. In this view the clutch spring is shown anchoredat either end to the respective anchoring collar and contact disk withwhich it is associated and, to that extent, this arrange- 40 ment ofsprings is a modification of that shown in Figure 7.

Figure 11 is an end elevation with a shaft shown in section of thesynchronizing mechanism illustrating the nature of the contact fingerand its 45 support with reference to the contact disk with which thecontact finger engages.

Referring to the drawings in detail, I indicates one of the units ofmachinery to be controlled. 2 designates a companion unit to the 50 uniti. It may be any part of a machine or process driven by motor 2a. It isdesired that the speed of movement of the mechanism of the respectiveunits be synchronized and maintainedin a synchronous relationship.

55 3 designates a prime mover of any kind, such as an electric motor,which drives through the belt or chain 4 a speed changer generallydesignated I.

Speed changer 69 This speed changer is provided with a pair of shafts 6and I supported in suitable hearings in the frame 8. Each shaft isprovided.- with a pair ofslidable sleeves 8 carrying one-half of thepulley in. Between the halves of the pulley,

65 which form a V-shaped structure, is located a v-belt I I whichconnects the two shafts together and causes them to turn together. Thedistance of the V-belt from the shaft 6 or I, as the case may be, andwhich is determined bythe spacing 70 between the halves of the pulley,determines the relative speed ratio between the shafts 6 and I. Thisshifting of the pulley halves is controlled by a pair of pivoted arms[2, the free ends of which are pivotally mounted on screw blocks I8 75carriedon the adjusting screw'll. As this ads,o7c,aoa k lusting screwisrotated, these blocks are brought closer together or moved further apartdepending upon the direction qfrotation of the screw rod l4. Thus, thespeed of the shaft 1 with relation to the speed of the shaft 6 which hasa constant speed is varied. When the faces of the pulley halves l8mounted on the shaft 1 are moved apart, the speed of the shaft 1 is in,-creased and, when these halves are moved together, the speed isdecreased. Thus, this speed changer has a constant speed driving shaftand a variable speed driven shaft.

Pilot motor The adjusting screw rod 14 is operated, in the presentinstance, by a pilot motor l6, which operates through a gear reductionl8, which, in turn, is connected to the screw shaft I4. This pilot motorcan be operated in either direction so that, as it is operated in eitherdirection, the screw shaft I4 is operated in either direction and thespeed of the shaft 1 is correspondingly varied, which, in turn, variesthe speed of the unit I which is actuated by the shaft 1. The circuitoperating and controlling this pilot motor will be describedhereinafter.

Synchronizing mechanism Mounted on the shaft 1 is a driving gear llwhich drives through a chain IS a gear [9. This driving connection maybe of any desired type other than purely mechanical as illustrated. Thegear i9 is mounted upon a controlled shaft 28. It is arranged inalignment with but disconnected from a companion controlling shaft 2|.The use of the terms controlling. and controlled is purely arbitrary inorder to have some convenient designation for these two shafts. Theshaft 28 is provided with a collar 22 fixed thereon by the set screw 23.Abutting against the collar 22 and inserted on the shaft 28 is a helicalspring 23a which either rests against the face of the collar, asshown'in Figure 7, or may have its free end inserted in the collar, asat 24.

The latter arrangement is shown in Figure 10.

The other end of this spring in Figure 10 is inserted at 25 within thecontact disk 26. In the form shown in Figure l the spring 23 merelyrests against this disk 26. The disk 26 comprises an annular body ofinsulation material 21 having a band on the periphery of metal forcontact purposes, designated 28 (Figures '7 and 8). This disk ofinsulating material on one side thereof carries an angular bracket 29connected by the strap 30 to the rim 28. It supports a contact screwbolt 3| having a contact head 32.

Spaced from it in opposing relationship is a second contact head 33 onthe bolt 34 mounted in the bracket 35 connected to. the rim 28 by theplate 36.

This disk 26 is spaced from the next succeeding disk by a collar 31.This collar 31 engages with the face of the next adjacent disk composedof an annular body of insulation 38 having an exterior band of metal 39.This disk is retained on the shaft 28 bythe end collar 40 retained onthe shaft 28 by the set screw 4i.

The disk itself has oppositely disposed at approximately 180 degrees apair of contact supporting brackets (Figure 9). One of these brackets isdesignated 42 and is connected by the contact strap 43 with theperiphery band 39. The screw itself is designated 44 and has a contacthead 45. The end of the screw with the contact head extends over one endof a semi-circular space or disk 66 having the contact rim 66. Thence,the

slot 46 which is bounded onone side by the metal band 66 and on theother side by a portion 'of the insulation 36. i

The other bracket designated "carries the I screw 46 having the head 46likewise extending over the space 46. This second bracket is connectedby the strap 56 to the band 36. *The disks 26 and 36 are mounted looselyon the shaft 26 and may turn with respect to that shaft for the purposeand in the manner hereinafter described.

Turning to the shaft 2| it will be found that it has a pair of suchcontact disks spaced from one another and arranged as follows.

Mounted on the free end of the shaft 2| is a disk of insulation 5|(Figures 4 and 5). This disk is keyed by the key 52 to the shaft 2|. Theperiphery of the disk is provided with a metal contact band 53. Theinsulation material is cut away to form a space 54 through which one ofthe contact fingers projects, such contact finger being carried on theadjacent disk to be described. The face of the disk 5| towards the shaft26 carries a contact finger 55 which is connected by the strap 56 to the.band 53. This disk 5| is spaced by the collar 51 from the next adjacentdisk of insulation material 56 which is keyed to the shaft 2| by the key56. It is provided with a metal contact band 66 connected 30 by a strap6I- to acontact finger 62 which extends towards the shaft 26 through theopening 54 in the disk 5|. This disk 56 is positioned by the collar 63.

The respective shafts 26 and 2| are supported in bearings designated 26aand 2|a of any desired kind. Both shafts are freely rotatable in suchbearings.

Adjacent these shafts is a support 64 carrying a plurality of springfingers 65 braced by the spring 66 on the surface of the metal bands 26,36, 53 and 66 of the respective disks. These fingers are connected tosuitable circuits hereinafter described. It will be noted that thecontact fingers 62 and 55 extend through the space 46 in the disk 36 andthey are adapted to make contact with either the terminals 32 and 33 orthe terminals 45 and 46, as will be hereinafter described.

The shaft 2| carries on its other end a gear 61 (Figure 2) which isdriven by the chain 66, that is, in turn, driven by a gear 66 mounted onthe shaft 16 which is driven in conjunction with the unit designated 2.

In place of the last mentioned mechanical 0 connection of the sprocketsand chain, there may be substituted a receiving motor 1| (Figure 3)connected by cables 12 to a transmitting motor 13 which is driven by theshaft 16 of the unit 2. The rotor of the motor 1| is connected to theshaft 2|. These two motors are of that type in which the rotor of thereceiving motor is always driven at the exact speed of the rotor of thetransmitting motor.

Control circuit Power lines 14, 15 and 16 are provided (Figure 1). Thepower line 14 extends to the junction 11 and thence by line 16 to theterminal 16, which, in turn, is connected to the terminals 66 and 6|which constitute contact points. The terminal 6| engages with thecontact 62 of the switch arm 63 which is connected to the wire 64 thatis, in turn, connected to the coil 65. This coil is connected by theline 66 to the 75 contact finger 61 riding on the surface of the 66 andhead I06.

current passes through the contact finger 62 to the terminal 32, thencethrough the band 26 on the disk 21 through.the contact finger 66,

line 66, terminal 66, terminal 6|, switch arm 62.

terminal 63, line 64, terminal 65 to thepower line. 16.-'--- The makingand breaking of the contacts reduction unit 61 that is driven by themotor 66. I

It is further determined by the position of the motor 66 as it isadjusted vertically by the screw This motor runs continuously.

Upon the accomplishment of the closing of the foregoing circuit the coil65 is energized, which results in the closing of the three-pole switchgenerally designated IN. This switch is a solenoid switch or a magneticswitch.

The circuits now made by the closing of the switch I6| are as follows:power line 16, terminal 65, terminal I62, switch arm I63, terminal I64,line I65, terminal I66, line I61 to the pilot motor I5; power line 15,terminal I66, switch arm I66,

terminal 6, line III, terminal H2, line 3 to the pilot motor I5. Thethird circuit thus made is power line 14, terminal 11, line I I4,terminal H5, switch arm II6, terminal I I1, line I I6, terminal II6,line I26 to the motor I5. Conventional springs for opening the switcheswhen the coils 65 and I26 are deenergized are shown.

|2| designates a limiting switch. This limiting switch is operated bythe shifter arm I22 mounted on the block |3a that constitutes thesupport for one of the arms I2. This shifter arm I22 serves to open theswitch arm 63 or. the switch arm I23, which are normally held closed bythe spring I24. The switch arms 63 and I23 engage the respectiveterminals 6| and 66.

For instance, the movement of the arm I22 to the right hand, which wouldoccur when the pulley halves I6 on the shaft 1 come together,

' would serve to open the contact between the switch arm I23 and theterminal 66, whereas the movement in the other direction would open thecontacts 6| and .62, 62 being carried on the end of the arm 63.Consequently, the last mentioned movement will prevent furtherseparation of the pulley halves on the shaft 1 and the movement in theopposite direction at its extreme limit, which results in the opening ofthe switch arm I23, will limit the movement in that direction.

It will be noted that, at all times, either one or both of the switcharms will be in contacting position.

The gear I6 is driven through the chain I6 by the gear I1 on theshaft 1. The gear I6 operates the shaft 20. Thus, the increase in speedof the shaft 1 resulting from this circuit will tend to increase thespeed of the shaft 26 and cause thecontact 62 with the finger 62 to bebroken and the contact 32 to move away from the finger 62.

If the speed increase at thiswstage is insuflicient to cause the shaft26 to carry its disk 21 and its contact 32 out of engagement with thecontact finger 62, then, upon the remaking of the circuit by the nextsuccessive reengagement of the contact 6| and switch arm 62, anotherincrement of Assuming that the speed of the shaft 2| were reduced, thenthe contact bar or finger 55 would 10 three-pole switch generallydesignated ,I29.

1 when this switch is closed, switch IN is opened.

Upon the closing of the switch I29 through the switch arms I30, I3I,I32, the lines I33, I34 and I35 are connected into the pilot motor linesI01,

' 15 II3 and I20 and the motor reverses, thereby reversing the movementof the adjusting arms I2.

- and bringing the faces of the pulley III on the shaft 1 closertogether reducing the speed of the shaft 1. This continuesintermittently until the 20 contact 33 and the contact bar 55 areseparated.

In case of a sudden increase in speed of the shaft 2I, as compared tothe shaft 20, the contact bars 62 and 55 would move around the shaft 20,the contact 52 engaging contact 32 and moving the disk2'l until thecontact bar 52 came into engagement with the contact 45. The resultwould be the formation of the following circuit: power line 14, terminal11, line 18, terminal 19,

contact 8I, contact 82, switch arm 83, line 84, coil 85, line 86,contact finger 81, band 50, contact finger 62, contact head 45, hand 39,contact finger I36, line I31, terminal 93, line 94, terminal 95, powerline 16.

In such case the coil 85 would be energized, the three-pole switch I!would be closed as described and the pilot motor would operatecontinuously. This movement would continue until the contact finger 62was moved out of enga'gement with the contact head 45.

In case of a sudden decrease of the speed of the shaft 2i, as comparedto the shaft 20, the contact bar 55 will be brought into engagement withthe contact head 49, with the resulting circuit being formed: power line14, terminal 11, line 18, terminal 19, switch arm I23, through terminal80, line I25, coil I28, line I21, contact finger I28, band 53,contactfinger 55, contact head 49, band 39, contact finger I35, lineI31, terminal 93, line 94, terminal 95, power line 16. In that case, thecontrol motor will operate to reduce the speed of the shaft 20, to bringit into synchronism with the speed of the shaft 2I.

The result of the foregoing method of operation is that there isprovided means for making slight changes in the speed of the shaft 20,in case there is only slight variation from the speed of the shaft 2I,by making slight changes to the speed changing motor I5. The amount ofthese movements is determined by the position of the cam 96 in relationto the switch bar 92. The purpose of the motor 98 and the cam 96 whichengages and disengages the switch arm 92 and contact 9| is to provideslight speed changes:

and then to allow an interval of time to elapse so that the drivenmachine can adjust itself to the new changed speed conditions, This isbecause of the fact that a heavy machine driven from some power sourcedoes not instantly change its speed even when a change is made in thespeed of the driving mechanism. A slight interval of time must beallowed for the machine to adjust itself'at its adjusted speed. In casethe speed conditions are not corrected and the shaft 20 is notbrought-into proper relationship to the shaft 2I, the disks 21 and 38will be revolved on the shaft 20 to permit the contact bars 52 and 55to'come into engagement with the contacts 45 or 49. When this takesplace, the speed changing motor I is moved continuously until the shafts20 and 2| are running at approximately the sam speed.

' Inasmuch as this speed is being changed continuously by the continuousrunning of the motor I5, too great a speed correction will be madebecause the shaft 20 will be brought to a speed slightly faster than theshaft 2I in order to disengage the contacts 52 and 45. In addition tothis slight excess speed change,-the driven machine wi ll increase itsspeed slightly to reach the new speed 'ratio of the driving mechanismdue to theinertia of the machine.

When this takes place, the disks on the shaft 20 revolve faster than thedisks-on the shaft 2|, and the contact 33 will be brought intoengagement with the contact bar or finger 55 and make a slight reductionin speed, with the next en gagement of contacts 9I and 92. The purposeof the entire control system is to bring certain parts of differentmachines or processes into propen speed relationship. A distinctivefeature of the control system is the means for preventing surging.

For instance, on two conveyors handling material, the conveyors havingdivisions which contain packages and these packages are to be depositedin divisions, on a conveyor to which they are transferred. This occursin packing plants and also in bakeries.

In bakeries they have one machine known as a pan tower which consists oftwo chains operating over equal size sprockets on a shaft, the conveyorchain links having steel slides mounted on them for carrying pans ofbiscuits, crackers, or, similar material. This pan tower usuallyoperates in a vertical position for carrying the pans to the floorsabove. Operating with this is another conveyor moving in a horizontalposition, this conveyor also having chains with lugs on certain linkswhich push the pans along the conveyor. It is necessary that these pansbe deposited on the pan tower conveyor so that they enter at a time whenthe slides are in the proper position.

If we simply restored the proper speed relation between these conveyors,we would not be accomplishing the result needed, because even though thenew speeds were exactly the same, one of the conveyors might be out ofstep with the other and the pans not enter thesteel slides on the pantower at the proper time.

Our control operates not only to restore the proper speed relationship,but also when the spring illustrated in Figure is used, it restores theformer position of the parts, In that case; the controls operate asfollows; v Assuming that one ofthe conveyors is connected to the shaft Mand the other to shaft 20, (Figure 10); assuming also that the conveyorwhich drives the shaft 2I increases in speed slightly; in that case, thefinger 52 will come into engagement with the contact 32 and before thecontrol can operate it will -move the disk 21, around the shaft 20winding up the spring.

When the control acts to restore the proper speed relationship, thecontact between the finger 52 and the contact 32 is not broken until thespring unwinds and restores the disk 21 to its former position ontheshaft 20. In other words, the spring shownin Figure 10 provides ayielding positioning device which will always return to its properposition. If the spring illustrated in Figure 7 were used, the instantthe speed relationship between the shafts 2| and was restored, thecircuit between the contacts I! and the flnger 12 would be broken,whereas when using thd spring illustrated in Figure 10 these will: notbe broken until the disk 21 returns to its formen position due to theaction of the ,spring' illustrated in Figure 10.

10 If the intermittent contacting device which operates the contacts 9|and '92 werenot used, the driven machine would continually be changingfrom a fast to a slow speed.

It will be understood that we desire to comprehend within our inventionsuch modifications as may be necessary to adapt it to varying conditionsand uses.

Having thus fully described the invention, what is claimed as new anddesired to secure by Letters 20 Patent, is:

1. In combination, a controlled machine, a controlling machine, a primemover for the controlled machine, a speed changer driven therebyconnected to the controlled machine, an electric 25 motor for adjustingsaid speed changer, a switch system for connecting said electric motorto respective circuits for driving it forwardly and backwardly, powercircuits connected to said switch system, synchronizing circuitsconnected to said switch system for selecting one of said switchesfordetermlning the direction of motion of the adjusting motor,synchronizing mechanism having parts driven by said respective machinesadjacent to one another, electrical contact means carried by said partsadapted to engage one another according to the respective,speedsthereof, said electrical contact means being connected to said selectivecircuits for selecting the switch that determines the direction of theadjusting motor, means for interrupting at predetermined intervalswhichever controlling circuit is in operation, whereby the movement ofthe controlling motor will be by increments, and a limit switchconnected in circuit with said motor adapted to operate when theadjustments of the speed changer pass beyond a predetermined point toprevent further adjustment thereof in the di rection of adjustment beingeffected. 2. In combination, a pair of driven means associated butdisconnected one with the other, electrical contact means carried on therespective driven means connected to electrical circuits, a mechanicallyoperative multiple speed mechanism connected to one of said meansandehaving a speed-regulating member, an electrical device arranged toadjust said member, electrical circuits interconnecting said electricalcontact means and said electrical device to adjust said member inresponse to the operation of said contact means to advance or retard thespeed of one of said driven means, and means for intermittently openingand closing the regulating device circuit whereby to cause theadjustment of the speed of one of the driven means to bring it intosynchronism with the other to occur by increments with time lagintervals therebetween.

3. In combination, a pair of driven meansassociated but disconnected onewith'the other, electrical contact means carried on the respective 7driven means connected to electrical circuits, a mechanically operativemultiple speed mechanism connected to one of said means and having aspeed-regulating member, an electrical device arranged to adjust saidmember, electrical circuits 75 interconnecting said electrical contactmeans and said electrical device to adjust-said member in response tothe gperation of said contact means to advance or retard the speedof oneof said driven means, means for intermittently opening and closing theregulatfng device circuit whereby to cause the adjustment of the speedof one of thedriven means to bring it into synchronism with the other tooccur by increments with time lag intervals therebetween, and meanswhereby the electrical contacts on one of the driven means may movebodily the electrical contacts on the other driven means to reestablishtherelationship therebetween for normal control of speed in the eventone of said driven means shall continue to v be out of synchronism withrespect to the other.

driven means at the end oi one of said intermittent periods ofadjustment.

4. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine, a pairof mechanically disconnected shafts operatively connected to saidmachines, synchronizing switchmeans arranged between said shafts, saidswitch means being arranged to close when said, controlled machine shaftdeparts from synchronism with said controlling machine shaft, adjustablespeed-chang- ,ing' devices for altering the speed of said controlledmachine, electrical means for varying the adjustment of saidspeed-changing devices, an intermitten'tly-actuated switch in circuitwith said electrical adjusting means for causing said adjusting means tobe operated at intermittent periods, and means adapted to operate saidadjust- "ing nieanstcontinuously and effective upon said shafts beingout of synchronism at the termination of one of said intermittentperiods of adjustment.

5. In combination, a controlling. machine, a

} controlled machine, synchronizing switch means arranged between movingparts of said machines, means for driving the controlled machine,mechanlcal variable speed transmission means interposed betwesn saiddriving means and the controlled machine and having'a movablespeedvarying member adapted to adjust said transmission to amultiplicity of speeds, and an electrical device adapted to becomeoperative in response to the operation of said synchronizing switchmeans to move said speed-varying member to vary the speed setting ofsaid transmission means, whereby to cause the controlled machine to bebrought back into synchronism with the controlling machine by mechanicalmeans.

' 6. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine,synchronizing switch means arranged between moving parts of saidmachines.

means for driving the controlled machine, mechanical variable speedtransmission means interposed between said driving means and thecontrolled machine and having a'movable' speedvarying member adapted toadjust said transmission to a multiplicity of speeds, an electricaldevice adapted to become operative in response to s the operation ofsaid synchronizing switch means to move said speed-varying member tovary the speed setting of said transmission means, whereby to cause thecontrolled machine to be brought back into synchronism with thecontrolling machine by mechanical means, and means for intermittentlyoperating said electrical device for readjustment of the mechanicaltransmission means by increments of adjustment with a time intervaltherebetween.

"I. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine,synchronizing switch means arranged between moving parts of saidmachines,

means for driving the controlled machine, mechanical variable speedtransmission means interposed between sald driving means and thecontrolled machine, electrical means responsive to the operation of saidsynchronizing switch means arranged to adjust the speed setting ofsaid-transmission means, whereby to cause the controlled machine to bebrought back into synchronism with the controlling machine by mechanical10 means, means for intermittently operating said electrical adjustingmeans for readjustment of the mechanical transmission means byincrements of adjustment with a time interval therebetween, and devicesadapted to operate said transmission adjusting means continuously andeffective during the period that said machines are out of synchronism atthe termination of one of said intermittent periods of adjustment,whereby the electrical adjusting means for the transmission means isoperated intermittently for the correction of slight asynchronisms ofsaid machines and continuously for abnormal asynchronisms thereof.

8. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine,synchronizing switch means arranged between moving parts of saidmachines, means for driving the controlled machine, mechanical variablespeed transmission means interposed between said driving means and thecontrolled. machine to be brought back into synchronism with thecontrolling machine by mechanical means, means for intermittentlyoperating said electrical speed-varying membermoving means forreadjustment of the mechanical 'transmission means by increments ofadjustment with a time interval therebetween, and means for varying theperiods of operatiomof said intermittent operating means to vary thetime interval between adjustments.

9. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine,mechanically disconnected shafts driven by said machines, electricalcontact means on said shafts, the electrical contact means on one shaftbeing adapted to engage and disengage with the electrical contact meanson the other shaft responsive to varying relative speeds of said shafts,means to drive the controlled machine, mechanical variable speedtransmission means interposed between said driving means and saidcontrolled machine and having a movablespeed-varying member adapted toadjust said transmission to a. multiplicity of speeds,

and electrical means responsive to the operation of said interengagingelectrical contact means to move said speed-varying member to vary thespeed output of said transmission means, whereby to cause the controlledmachine to be brought back into synchronism with the con- 1 other shaftresponsive to varying relativespeeds of said shafts, means to drive thecontrolled machine, mechanical variable speed transmission meansinterposed between said driving meansand said controlled machine andhaving a movable speed-varying member adapted to adjust saidtransmission to a multiplicity of speeds,'elec'- trical means responsiveto the operation ofsaid interengaging electrical contact means to movesaid speed-varying member to vary the speed output of said transmissionmeans, whereby to cause ,1

shafts driven by said machines, electrical contact means on said shafts,the electrical contact means on one shaft being adapted to engage anddisengage with the electrical contact means on the other shaftresponsive to varying relative speeds of said shafts, means to drive thecontrolled machine, mechanical variable speed trans mission meansinterposed between said driving means and said controlled machine,electrical means responsive to the operation of said interengagingelectrical contact meansfor adjusting the speed setting of saidtransmission means so as to cause the controlled machine to be broughtback into synchronism with the controlling machine by mechanical means,means for intermittently operating said electrical adjusting means forreadjustment of the mechanical transmission means by increments ofadjustment with a time interval therebetween, and circuit-closing meansassociated with said shafts and adapted to be actuated to operate saidtransmission adjusting means continuously in the event that asynchronismhas not been fully corrected at the termination of one of saidintermittent periods of adjustment, whereby the electrical adjustingmeans for the transmission means is operated intermittently for thecorrection of slight asynchronisms of said machines and continuously forabnormal asynchronisms thereof.

12-. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine,mechanically disconnected shafts driven by said machines, electricalcontact means on said shafts, the electrical contact means on one shaftbeing adapted to engage and disengage with the electrical contactmeanson the other shaft responsive to varying relative speeds of said shafts,means to drive the controlled machine, mechanical variable speedtransmission means interposed between said driving means and saidcontrolled machine and having a movable speed-varying member adapted toadjust said transmission to a multiplicity of speeds, and electricalmeans responsive to the operation of said interengaging electricalcontact means to move said speed-varying member to vary the speed outputof said transmission means, a pinrality of electric circuits connectedto said contact means and adapted to be selectively ener gized anddeenergized as said shafts vary in their relative speeds, said circuitsbeing operative to actuate said electrical speed-varying membermovingmeans selectively in opposite directions'to restore said shafts tosynchronism.

13. In combination, a controlling machine, a r"" controlled machine,mechanically disconnected shafts driven by said machines, electricalcontact means on said shafts, the electrical contact means on one shaftbeing adapted to endriving means and said controlled machine and havinga movable speed-varying member adapted to adjust said transmission to amultiplicity of speeds, electrical means responsive to the operation ofsaid interengaging electrical contact means to move said speed-varyingmember to vary the speed output of said transmission means, a pluralityof electric circuits connected to said contact means and adapted to beselectively energized and deenergized as said shafts vary in theirrelative speeds, said circuits being operative to actuate saidelectrical speed-varying member moving means selectively in oppositedirections to restore said shafts to synchronism, and means forintermittently opening and closing said electric circuits irrespectiveof which circuit is momentarily selected for actuation by said electrical adjusting means.

14. In combination, a controlling machine, a

' controlled machine, a prime mover for driving the controlled machine,mechanical variable speed transmission means driven by said prime moverand connected to the controlled machine and having a movablespeed-varying member I adapted to adjust said transmission "to a multiplicity of speeds, an electric motor arranged to e move saidspeed-varying member to vary the speed output of said transmissionmeans, a reversing switch system for energizing circuits connected tosaid electric motor for driving it forwardly and backwardly, selectivesynchronizing circuits connected to said reversing switch system forselecting one of said switches to determine the direction of motion ofthe adjusting motor, synchronizing mechanism'having parts driven by saidrespective machines adjacent one another, and electrical contact meanscarried by said parts adapted to engage one another according to therelative speeds thereof, said electrical contact means being connectedto said selective synchronizing circuits;

15. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine, a primemover for driving the controlled machine, mechanical variable speedtransmission means driven by said prime mover and connected to thecontrolled machine, an electric motor for adjusting said transmissionmeans, a reversing switch system for energizing circuits connected tosaid electric motor for driving it forwardly and backwardly, selectivesynchronizing circuits connected to said reversing switch system forselecting one of said switches to deter- 'mine the direction of motionof the adjusting motor, synchronizing mechanism having parts driven bysaid, respective machines adjacent one another, electrical contact meanscarried by said parts adapted to engage one another according to therelative speeds thereof, saideiectrical contact means being connected tosaid selective synchronizing circuits, and means for interrupting atpredetermined intervals the particular controlling circuit which is inoperation.

16. In combination, a pair of mechanically disconnected driven shafts tobe synchronized, synchronizing switch means connected between saidshafts, adjustable mechanical variable speed transmission meansconnected to one of said shafts and having a movable speed-varyingmember adapted to adjust said transmission to a multiplicity of speeds,and electrical means for varyingthe adjustment of said transmissionspeedvarying member, said synchronizing switch means being arranged incircuit to energize said electri-, cal adjusting means responsive to thedeparture of said shafts from synchronism.

17. In combination,'a pair of mechanically disconnected driven shafts tobe synchronized, synchronizing switch means connected betweensaidshafts, adjustable mechanical variable speed transmission meansconnected to one of said shafts and having a movable speed-varyingmember adapted to adjust said transmission to a multiplicity of speeds,electrical means for vary ing the adjustment of said transmissionspeedvarying member, said synchronizing switch means being arranged incircuit to energize said electrical adjusting means responsive to thedeparture of said shafts from synchronism, and an intermittently.actuated switch in circuit with said electrical adjusting means foralternately energizing and deenergizing said electrical adjustv ingmeans circuit, whereby to cause said adjusting means to be operated atintermittent periods 18. In combination, a pair of mechanicallydisconnected driven shafts to be synchronized, synchronizing switchmeansconnected between said shafts, adjustable mechanical variable speedtransmission means connected to one of said,

shafts and having a movable speed-varying member adapted to adjust saidtransmission to a multiplicity of speeds, electrical means for varyingthe adjustment of said transmission speed-vary ing member, saidsynchronizing switch means being arranged in circuit toenergize saidelectrical adjusting means responsive to the departure of said shaftsfrom synchronism, an intermittently actuated switch in circuit with saidelectrical adjusting means for alternately energizing and deenergizingsaid electrical adjusting means circuit, whereby to cause said adjustingmeans to be operated at intermittent periods, and adjustable means forvarying the length of the periods of actuation of said intermittentswitch.

19. In combination, a pair of mechanically disconnected driven shafts to,be synchronized, synchronizing switch means connected between saidshafts, adjustable mechanical variable speed transmission meansconnected to one of said shafts and having a movable speed-varyingmember adapted to adjust said transmission to a multiplicity of speeds,electrical means for vary-- ing theadjustment of said transmissionspeedvarying member, said synchronizing switch means being arranged incircuit toenergize sai-d electrical adjusting means responsive to thedeparture of said shafts from synchronism, an intermittently actuatedswitch in circuit with said electrical adjusting means for alternatelyenergizing and 'deenergizing said electrical adjusting means circuit soas to cause said adjusting means to be operated at intermittent periods,and adjustable means for separating the parts of said intermittentswitch whereby to vary the length of the periods of actuation of saidintermittent switch.

20. In combination, a pair of mechanically disconnected driven shafts tobe synchronized, synchronizing switch meansconnected between saidshafts, adjustable mechanical variable speed transmission meansconnected to one of said shafts and having a movable speed-varyingmember adapted to adjust said transmission to a multiplicity of speeds,electrical means for varying the adjustment of said transmissionspeed-varying member, said synchronizing switch means means circuit,whereby to cause said adjusting means to be operated at intermittentperlods, adjustable means for varying the iengthof the periods ofactuation of said intermittent switch, and means associated with saidsynchronizing switch adapted to operate said transmission adjustingmeans continuously and eflective upon said shafts being out ofsynchronism at the termination of one of said intermittent periods ofadjustment.

21. In combination, a pair of mechanically disconnected driven shafts tobe synchronized, driving means for said shafts, synchronizing 20 switchmeans connected between said shafts, ad-

justable mechanical variable speed transmission means interposed betweenone of said shafts and its driving means and adapted to furnish amultiplicity of speeds, a mechanical speed-varying 25 device for varyingthe speed setting of said transmission means, said synchronizing switchmeans being arranged to control the energization and operation of saidspeed-varying device, and a reversible electric motor for operating saidspeedvarying device, said speed-varying motor being in circuit with saidsynchronizing switch means and responsive to the action thereof foroperation in oppositedirections,

22. In combination, a pair ,of mechanically disconnected driven shaftstot-be synchronized, driving means for said shafts, synchronizing switchmeans connected between said shafts, adjustable mechanical variablespeed transmission means interposed between one of said shafts andtiplicity of speeds, an electrically actuated speedvarying device forvarying the speed setting of said transmission means, said.synchronizing switch means being arranged to control the energizationand operation of said speed-varying device, and devices for returningsaid shafts to their identical original relative positions as well as toa condition of synchronization.

23. In combination, a pair of mechanically disconnected driven shafts'tobe synchronized, driving means for said shafts, synchronizingswitchmeans connected between said shafts, adjustable mechanicalvariable speed transmission means interposed between onepf said shaftsand its driving means and adapted to furnish a multi plicity of speeds,an electrically actuated speed varying device for varying the speedsetting of said transmission means, said synchronizing switch meansbeing arranged to control the energization and operation of saidspeed-varying device, and devices associated with said synchronizingswitch means for returning said. shafts to their identical originalrelative positions as well as to a condition of synchronization.

65 24. In combination, a controlling machine, 2.

its driving means and adapted to furnish a mulcontrolled machine,mechanically disconnected shafts driven by said machines, adjustableelectrical contact means on one gf said shafts, B1867 trical contactmeans on another of; said shafts adapted to engage and disengage saidfirst-men g5 tioned electrical contact means in response to varyingrelative speeds of said shafts, means to drive the controlled machine,mechanical variable speed transmission means interposed between I saiddriving, means and said controlled machine}.

electrical means responsive to the operation of said interengagingelectrical contact means for adjusting the speed setting of saidvariable speed transmission means, a plurality of electrical circuitsconnected to said contact means and adapted to be selectively energizedand deenergized as said shafts vary in their relative speeds, saidcircuits being operative to actuate said electrical transmissionadjusting means selectively in opposite directions to restore saidshafts to syn-.

,chronis'm, and means for intermittently opening and closing theactuating electric circuit irrespective of which circuit is momentarilyselected for actuation of said electrical adjusting means,

said electrical contact means on one shaft being adapted to continuouslyengage said adjustable electrical contact means on the other shaft durving the time the contacts on said shafts move out of their normalrelative positions when synchronized, and means for operating theelectrical transmission adjustment means continuously in response to thedeparture of said shafts from synchronism by a predetermined amount,whereby theelectrical adjusting means for the transmissionoperatesintermittently for the correction of slight asynchronism of saidmachines and continuously for abnormal asynchronism thereof.

25. In combination, a controlling machine, a controlled machine,synchronizing switch means arranged between moving parts of saidmachines,

means for driving the controlled machine, me-

cha nical variable speed transmission means inte'rposed between' s alddriving means and the controlled machine, electrical means responsivetolthe operation of said synchronizing switch means arranged to adjustthe speed setting of said variable speed transmission means, whereby tocause the controlled machine to be brought back into synchronism withthecontrolling machine by mechanical means, means for intermittentlyoperating said electrical transmission adjusting means forreadjustment-by increments 'of adjustment with a time intervaltherebetween, and devices adapted to operate said transmis- Y sionadjusting means continuously and effective during the time when thecontrolling and controlled machines are out of 'synchronism apredetermined amount, whereby the electrical adjusting means for thetransmission is operated intermittentlyjor the correction of slightasynchronism of the machines and continuously for abnormal asynchrouismthereof.

